Knysna dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion damaranum)

Bradypodion damaranum

The Knysna dwarf chameleon is a species of dwarf chameleon in the ''Bradypodion'' genus that is endemic to South Africa. It is a forest dweller, found only in a limited range in the afromontane forests near Knysna, South Africa, and in certain other areas. As with most chameleons, its tongue is twice the length of its body and it can be shot out of its mouth using a special muscle in the jaw. This gives the chameleon the ability to catch insects some distance away.

Knysna dwarf chameleon Absolutely thrilled to have finally spotted one of these, but oh boy was it fast!
The Knysna is one of the larger of all the dwarf chameleons reaching up to 18cm in length and is identified by its prominent casque (lump on its head).
Although not assessed by the IUCN it is considered to be endangered due to habitat loss. None of that where I live, so this little one has found a safe haven. Bradypodion damaranum,Geotagged,Knysna dwarf chameleon,South Africa,Spring,chameleons,dwarf chameleons,reptiles,south africa

Habitat

The normal habitat of ''Bradypodion damaranum'' is dense, wet montane forest.
This chameleon also readily adapts to living in gardens. However, the use of hedge trimmers and the introduction of domestic cats have caused the species to vanish from large areas.

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Taxonomy
Kingdom	Animalia
Division	Chordata
Class	Reptilia
Order	Squamata
Family	Chamaeleonidae
Genus	Bradypodion
Species	B. damaranum

Photographed in
South Africa